There is nowhere quite like Mammoth Lakes – and I mean that in the most personal way. Waking up to crisp alpine air, endless blue sky, and fresh powder on the mountain is something that never gets old, no matter how many times I have made the drive up from Los Angeles.
Mammoth Mountain is the centerpiece – one of the largest ski and snowboard resorts in California, with terrain that ranges from beginner-friendly slopes to serious backcountry, and a summit gondola that offers views of the Eastern Sierra that stop me every time. June Mountain, just down the road, offers a quieter and more intimate version of the same landscape – fewer crowds, a laid-back local energy, and a craft brewery right at the base that makes the après as good as the runs.
The town itself has more going on than most visitors expect. A Scandinavian-inspired restaurant serving refined alpine cuisine, craft distilleries pouring house-made spirits, breweries, taco spots, and coffee roasters that take their craft seriously – Mammoth has developed a food and drink scene that gives the mountain real competition for the best part of the trip.
The surrounding Eastern Sierra adds another dimension entirely. Yosemite National Park is within reach, and the landscape between Mammoth and the valley floor – volcanic formations, high desert, and the kind of stargazing that reminds me just how far from the city I am – makes every drive an experience in itself.
This guide covers where to eat, where to stay, and the experiences that made Mammoth Lakes one of my favorite destinations in California.
Stay
Limelight Mammoth Limelight Mammoth is a modern mountain hotel in Mammoth Lakes offering a relaxed, social atmosphere and easy access to outdoor adventures ...
Outbound Mammoth A weekend stay at Outbound Mammoth was a lovely way explore Mammoth Lakes while staying near Mammoth Village ...Experiences
Adult Snowboarding School at Mammoth Mountain Mammoth Mountain’s snowboarding school in Mammoth Lakes, California, provide expert-led lessons focusing on safety and key skills for safe play ...
Guided Sunset Snowshoe Tour with Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center Enjoying the guided snowshoeing tour with Tamarack Cross-Country Ski Center was a lovely way to enjoy the backcountry of Mammoth Lakes. ...
Mammoth Mountain Scenic Gondola Rides Taking the scenic gondola ride up to the 11,053 ft summit of Mammoth Mountain was the best way to take in all of the visual brilliance of Mammoth Lakes, California ...
My Flying Dress Photoshoot Experience with Brittany Colt & Shawn Reeder My photoshoot with The Flying Dress Experience was an intimate communication with nature and a profound expression of self love - in Yosemite National Park ...
Snowboarding Mammoth Mountain: Canyon Lodge My time snowboarding out of Canyon Lodge at Mammoth Mountain became a powerful reminder that progress comes from staying present, getting back up, and moving forward ...
Snowboarding Mammoth Mountain: Eagle Lodge Eagle Lodge at Mammoth Mountain offers beginner-friendly slopes, rentals, and a great cocktail bar for post-snowboarding relaxation ...
Snowboarding River Run at June Mountain June Mountain in June Lake is a chill Eastern Sierra snowboarding destination near Mammoth Lakes, CA ...
Woolly’s Adventure Summit Woolly's Adventure Summit is a lively destination for delightful winter fun in Mammoth Lakes, California ...Eat
Austria Hof Restaurant & Bar A local favorite, Austria Hof Restaurant serves a blend of German and American dishes at the base of Mammoth Mountain's Canyon Lodge ...
Bar Sierra Bar Sierra in Mammoth Lakes, California, blends comfort food and craft cocktails to create a warm and inviting dining experience ...
Black Velvet Coffee Black Velvet Coffee is a third-wave roaster, serving on-site roasted espresso and teas - with a wine and beer bar ...
Breakfast at Limelight Mammoth Breakfast at Limelight Mammoth featured a thoughtfully curated, modern buffet that fueled me perfectly for a full day of outdoor adventures in Mammoth Lakes ...
Café Crêpe – Mammoth Lakes Café Crêpe, located at Outbound Mammoth hotel, is a lovely food trailer serving crepes and breakfast favorites, in Mammoth Lakes, California ...
Distant Brewing Distant Brewing in Mammoth Lakes, California, offers a rotating selection of craft beers and inspired pub-style dishes in a relaxed setting with scenic surroundings ...
Dos Alas CubaRican Cafe & Lounge After a long day on the mountain, Dos Alas CubaRican Cafe & Lounge delivered exactly what I wanted - satisfying food, live music, and a relaxed atmosphere ...
Good Life Cafe Breakfast at Good Life Cafe was a fulfilling way to start the day in Mammoth Lakes, California ...
June Lake Brewing June Lake Brewing is a laid-back Eastern Sierra taproom pouring bold IPAs and rotating craft styles, with a food truck out front ...
La Parrilla Grill & Tacos La Parrilla Grill & Tacos is a laid-back June Lake gem serving standout tacos and burritos, steps from June Lake Brewing ...
Mammoth Brewing Company Mammoth Brewing Company offers drinkable beers, casual food, and a laid-back atmosphere in Mammoth Lakes, California ...
Mammoth Coffee Roasting Company Coffee and breakfast at Mammoth Coffee Roasting Company was a lovely time to enjoy the local scene - over light bites - in Mammoth Lakes, California ...
Mammoth Tavern Mammoth Tavern in Mammoth Lakes, California combines craft cocktails and stunning mountain views for a vibrant dining experience ...
Nik-n-Willie’s Pizza & Subs Nik-n-Willie's Pizza & Subs in Mammoth Lakes serves a variety of pizzas and more in a cozy, rustic mountain setting ...
Roberto’s Cafe Roberto’s Cafe, within walking distance of Outbound Mammoth, offered a delicious evening of tequila and margaritas in Mammoth Lakes, California ...
Salsa’s Taqueria Salsa's Taqueria in Mammoth Lakes, CA offers solid Mexican cuisine within a casual and relaxed mountain town atmosphere ...
Shelter Distilling Dinner at Shelter Distilling was a fun, high energy time and a nice way to experience Mammoth Village in Mammoth Lakes, California ...
Skadi Skadi Restaurant delivers a refined, Scandinavian-inspired dining experience in an cozy alpine setting in Mammoth Lakes, California ...
The Bar at Limelight Mammoth The bar at Limelight Mammoth features a modern, open-concept lobby setting with a relaxed, social vibe and a dependable menu of food and drinks ...
The Warming Hut An extended lunch at The Warming Hut served me delicious comfort food, beer and cocktails in Mammoth Lakes, California ...Related Reviews
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